pomade

American  

[po-meyd, -mahd, poh-] / pɒˈmeɪd, -ˈmɑd, poʊ- /

noun

1. a scented ointment, especially one used for the scalp or for dressing the hair.

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verb (used with object)

pomaded, pomading

1. to dress with pomade; apply pomade to.

pomade British  

/ -ˈmeɪd, pəˈmɑːd /

noun

1. a perfumed oil or ointment put on the hair, as to make it smooth and shiny

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verb

1. (tr) to put pomade on

Etymology

Origin of pomade

1555–65; earlier pommade < French < Italian pomata (so called because apples were originally an ingredient), equivalent to pom ( a ) apple (< Latin, plural (taken in VL as feminine singular) of pōmum fruit) + -ata -ade ¹. See pomatum

Example Sentences

Zinc works for both ultraviolet rays and icy winds but some athletes prefer specialized products such as Dermatone, a pomade that comes in round tins like shoe polish and promises to deter frostbite.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2022

Because bathing kiwis in a dressing tames their fuzz, just like pomade smooths frizzed hair on a humid day.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2021

That prison soap must be suffused with argan oil – either that or Robbins’ scalp secretes pomade, given his lustrous locks are more solid than those securing the cell doors.

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2020

His thick, steel-gray hair was swept back Gatsby style and lacquered with what looked like pomade.

From New York Times • Jan. 10, 2020

They slicked back their hair with pomade and put on matching outfits, thus giving the impression of being twins.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• coat
• grease